Bark beetle could be good thing for Sumava, says Bursik

The expected incidence of bark beetle due to a hurricane in January could actually help restore and diversify forests in the Sumava National Park more quickly, Environment Minister Martin Bursik said during a hearing at the Senate. Mr Bursik said spruce monocultures were a bigger threat to south Bohemian forest areas than the bark beetle. Some experts contend, however, that trees afflicted with bark beetle - which often attack trees already weakened by other causes - should be destroyed before the beetle spreads to other areas.

Author: Ian Willoughby